Eucharistic Ministers (English)

“The Eucharist is at the heart of “Christian initiation,” together with Baptism and Confirmation, and it constitutes the source of the Church’s life itself. From this Sacrament of love, in fact, flows every authentic journey of faith, of communion, and of witness.” Pope Francis

In every celebration of the Eucharist there should be a sufficient number of ministers for Holy Communion so that it can be distributed in an orderly and reverent manner. Bishops, priests, and deacons distribute Holy Communion by virtue of their office as ordinary ministers of the Body and Blood of the Lord (Norms for the Distribution and Reception of Holy Communion Under Both Kinds in the Dioceses of the United States of America #27). If such ordinary ministers of Holy Communion are not present, “the priest may call upon extraordinary ministers to assist him, i.e., formally instituted acolytes or even some of the faithful who have been commissioned according to the prescribed rite. In case of necessity, the priest may also commission suitable members of the faithful for the occasion.” (Norms #28; General Instruction of the Roman Missal #162, 284) The faculty is granted to pastors and priest chaplains to appoint extraordinary ministers of Communion.

REQUIREMENTS

Baptized and Confirmed Catholics, fifteen years of age or older, are eligible for this ministry.

Must be a registered member of Saint Stephen Martyr Parish.

They should be persons who sincerely try to live the Gospel message in their communal and individual lives.

They should faithfully participate in the Sunday Eucharist and with God’s grace strive to live their faith in every aspect of their lives.

Candidates for the ministry of Holy Communion are to be properly formed with spiritual, theological and practical training before they are commissioned for service in the parish (Norms #28).

All new Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion should be commissioned, preferably during a Sunday Mass. The Rite of Commissioning is found in the Book of Blessings, chapter 63, page 795 (Catholic Book edition).

Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion may wear clothing in keeping with their primary role as members of the assembly.

Ministers must attend the scheduled once a month prayer and planning meeting at the parish.

At least once a year, attend the arranged parish program or retreat to renew the faith, prayer and commitment of the present ministers.

All ministers of Communion should be encouraged to attend the Archdiocesan workshops on liturgy sponsored by the Office for Worship as well as relevant workshops offered by other Archdiocesan Offices (e.g., Religious Education Congress)

Current NewsWe are currently looking for qualified parishioners to join our ministry. We have just recently had an orientation meeting with some new candidates, who are now Eucharistic Ministers. We will be holding additional orientation meetings and training in the future. If you are interested in participating in this serving ministry, contact Deacon Armando Estrada and Irene Estrada, Ministry Coordinator.

Contact Information

For additional information or if you have an interest in becoming a Eucharistic Minister, contact Irene Estrada at (626) 589-4146 or email to ireneestrada2792@yahoo.com